Cops: Off-duty officer at home kills intruder

Chicago police investigate the scene of a home invasion and fatal shooting in the 5500 block of South Normandy Avenue in Chicago today. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Tribune)

An off-duty Chicago police officer shot and killed an armed intruder who kicked in a basement door at his West Garfield home on the South Side this morning, officials said.

The officer was calling 911 sometime after 8:45 a.m. to report that he thought someone was trying to break into his house in the 5500 block of South Normandy when he was confronted by an intruder "with something in his hand," said Eddie Welch, Wentworth Area deputy chief of patrol.

The officer, who was not identified, fired his service weapon several times, killing the intruder, Welch said.

The officer had been at home recuperating from an injury, Welch said. Earlier, he had twice heard someone knocking on his door, ringing the bell and later knocking on a window but didn't think much of it, Welch said.

The officer went back to bed but then heard what sounded like someone breaking in. The intruder had kicked in a basement door, Welch said, adding that police recovered a weapon belonging to him.

"This is really hitting close to home," said a neighbor, Linda Gonzalez, 46, a social worker. "They invaded his home, he did what he had to do."

Other neighbors said they were shocked because five or six police officers live on the block.

"I feel safe because we are surrounded by police," said Delia Garcia.

She said she normally leaves her front door open with just the screen door to protect her home. The shooting will change that, she said.

"From now on l will try to keep it locked," Garcia, 43, said.

Police could not say how long the officer had been on the force. Records indicate he bought the home three years ago. Police said he lived alone, although neighbors said they believed he lived with his mother.